Melinda looked down at Theodore, her smile returning but it was small and wry. "Thank you, Theodore. But to be perfectly honest, I'm not sure how to carry on a conversation with a friend who treats me like a stranger. It's my failing, though, not yours." She pat his arm gently. "Enjoy your dinner, Theodore. The shepherd's pie is quite good." Maybe she'd get dinner to go, Melinda thought as she started to walk away. Staying now would just be awkward.